Sunday Afternoon Thinking Project: Dr. Na'im Akbar on the Normativity of Whiteness and the Power of Eurocentrism

I strive for precision in my language when I write about and discuss racism, politics, and white supremacy. Sometimes I succeed. More often than not I fail.

It is easy to do get locked into jargon's seductive gaze. Many academics like the shorthand. It sounds smart, sophisticated, and sexy (at least to our ears). But when pressed, many scholar-professionals-teachers cannot offer a simple, rich, detailed explanation of the concepts at hand. Nor can they explain why these concepts matter to students or the general public.

The practical consequence of this backdoor entry into critical race studies is that many of these well-intentioned souls end up (re)centering whiteness as their normative lens. Once and again, white folks remain the center of the universe even as they are ostensibly moved from being the "universal I" to the level of mere "object."

A question for teachers, allies, students, friends, and fellow travelers. What is the lecture or talk you can give with effortless ease and with profound clarity and directness as measured not in your own estimation, but by that of your audience? What is your worst? The one where jargon seems unavoidable and your failure of communication (and students' reception) is made painfully evident as you read their papers come midterm and finals?

For those on the other side of the table, what is the most informative and powerful lecture or seminar you have experienced? One that you still think about to this day?

21 comments:

Illmath
said...

White priveledge doesn't exist. A proverbial "Jedi mind Trick" to get white peasantry to bypass the obvious genetic superiority of Black people, to turn their feelings of fear into arrogance. It allows them to perpetuate the myth that they're lives are better. Especially now when alot of so called middle class white ppl are finding themselves poor. The Jedi mind trick is to make them say At least Im white" Thats all they get is that. No better quality of life.Just lies from the TV. Yeah they can see other white ppl in high positions. BUT ITS NOT THEM. LOL.. those ppl that they take so much pride in are RICH. They Have more in common with Vernon Jordan than their poor broke asses. And those white ppl wouldn't piss on them if they were on fire.. So how can it be white supremacy. Ive never been a victim of racism. By making someone a victim (black ppl). That makes them the victor. Everyone wants to be a victor. I do see the workings of Black supremacy. The idea of white supremacy is a coping mechanism for disadvantaged whites.

If there is no system of white supremacy (note: the fact that "white supremacy" exists IS NOT indicative of white SUPERIORITY, but simply that whites have an inordinate share of power) then how do you explain the differences in perception of Blacks in poverty vs. whites in poverty? How do you explain the media images of Black people that we see everyday? You may see an OCCASIONAL image on TV of "poor white trash" but Black people, no matter their socioeconomic status are invariably portrayed in a negative light. Poor whites are treated with more respect than poor Blacks simply to reinforce the notion of white superiority, thus keeping poor whites and poor Blacks from uniting to overthrow the elites. A poor white person may not have REAL power, but they certainly are given more consideration than ANY Black person by those who DO hold the power.

@Ill--You are onto something there with how do we separate false consciousness and the psychic wages of whiteness-the Jedi mind trick you artfully referred to, from the real material advantages that come from class mobility/resources.

Which way to the arrows go? Whiteness is a type of property that translates to resources in the "real" world. Likewise, you are spot on that the white knuckledraggers don't seem to get that they are peasants, misdirected in their anger.

You should work up a guest post on the idea of white privilege as a Jedi Mind Trick. That would be a good read.

@Joanna--Damn you with your empirical questions. How do we communicate the obvious facts to those either willfully ignorant or well intentioned and just in denial? Can they be reached?

IDK Chauncey... see the ones who are most invested in their racist ideology are those at the top AND THOSE AT THE BOTTOM because they have this idea that if they strive real hard and BLAME their situation on Black/nonwhite people, they can one day BE on top! The poorest white folks are often the ones who are most virulently racist, because they NEED to believe that their whiteness makes them special and that they are where they are simply because of bad circumstances while nonwhite people are where they are because of some inherent racial flaws. And the ones in the middle think they are actually doing something to fight oppression by listening to a Tim Wise speech and talking about "colorblindness" and they take it no further than that

Hey Chauncey thanks for the invite. I just may do that. If I take some time I may be able to write a cohesive piece. After all I do consider myself a respectable negro.I'll address your questions Joanna.

"If there is no system of white supremacy then how do you explain the differences in perception of Blacks in poverty vs. whites in poverty?"

I don't see a difference in perception. If anything I think people think about Jazz, hip hop, rock and roll, spoken word poetry. Black poverty seems to always evoke thoughts of untapped genius for most americans and the world for that matter.. In turn poor white ppl are thought to be nameless cogs in the machine. Willing slaves if you will. I think it's unfair to white ppl. I plan on being a pillar of justice for my translucent brethren.

"(note: the fact that "white supremacy" exists IS NOT indicative of white SUPERIORITY, but simply that whites have an inordinate share of power)"

LOL...Jedi mind trick..read that over and over. I'll call that "liberal doublespeak". Good stuff.

"but Black people, no matter their socioeconomic status are invariably portrayed in a negative light."

I don't agree. In fact I think white ppl are cast in a negative light on television. From George Bush to Timothy Mcvey. It's just what I see. Even the dregs of our "community" are celebrated. I don't see people around the world conciously or unconciously imitating redneck Joe. I didn't see people square dancing in Guatemala, or Spain or France or Germany. They were break dancing tho.

"Poor whites are treated with more respect than poor Blacks simply to reinforce the notion of white superiority, thus keeping poor whites and poor Blacks from uniting to overthrow the elites."

I wouldn't call that respect. I'd call that "being pimped". If I were white I wouldn't stand for that type of pandering. Plus I don't give a damn how the poor powerless waitress treats me at IHOP. After all thats how inferior people act. Rude snide and "disrespectful. I suspect it has something more to do with their self worth as opposed to mine. Just make sure my pancakes are hot and the bacon is crispy and were square. If she's rude, she gets no tip. So who loses out on this deal. Looks like "white supremacy is taking money out of her pocket. Btw this sounds more like a debate on classism. Which is what it's really about.

"A poor white person may not have REAL power, but they certainly are given more consideration than ANY Black person by those who DO hold the power."

Consideration for what. To go on the front lines in war? To be a glorified slave? Sounds like house niggerdom.Anyway there's no evidence to validate that claim...and if there was it'd be Some bullshit stat or some Black in America special...only produced to continue to delude it's "own" flock.Funny story. I lived in South America for a bit and what I noticed most was the television programing. Every day there was a special on the poverty of Africa and haiti..it was unbelievable how much they'd broadcast these "specials". I knew why. The richest area in Peru wasn't comparable to the poorest area in South central. If those mestizos (beneficiaries of so called "white supremacy") knew how well Black poor people were living (running water, big screens, libraries, computers, houses, lawns etc.)compared to them, they'd be up in arms. So what do they do? They pacify them with "IMAGES". Images aren't reality love.

"Whiteness is a type of property that translates to resources in the "real" world."

So is my blackness. No one is in denial. I just happen to understand that all of white peoples insecurities are projected on us. (Skin color, hair texture, body image, masculinity femininity). White men feel inferior to Black men (Muscle mass penis size, vocal tone, lack of skin color). They don't feel as masculine as Black men. Sooo they make futile attempts at emasculating Black men. White women don't feel as feminine as Black women, all the things that define a female (breast size hip size,lips, the ability to get pregnant) white woman have less of. So the goal becomes to defeminize (is the a word?? well it is now) the Black woman. Sounds more like Black supremacy. The fact that jews are hated and maligned is really a testament to their greatness in some arenas more so than their inferiority

"Racism (white supremacy) is the local and global power system and dynamic, structured and maintained by persons who classify themselves as white, whether consciously or subconsciously determined; which consists of patterns of:

*

Perception *

Logic *

Symbol Formation *

Thought *

Speech *

Action *

Emotional Response

as conducted simultaneously in all areas of people activity:

*

Economics *

Education *

Entertainment *

Labor *

Law *

Politics *

Religion *

Sex *

War

for the ultimate purpose of white genetic survival and to prevent white genetic annihilation on planet Earth -- a planet upon which the vast and overwhelming majority of people are classified as non-white:

*

Black *

Brown *

Red *

Yellow

by white skinned people, and all of the non-white people are genetically dominant (in terms of skin coloration) compared to the genetic recessive white skin people." - Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

Though you call it "liberal doublespeak" my statement that white supremacy is not indicative of white superiority is echoed is Dr. Frances Cress Welsing's statement, as are the last points YOU made.

The SYSTEM of white supremacy is founded NOT ON the "superiority" of whites, but was formed as a response to their fear of the ramifications of their own genetic INFERIORITY. It developed as a system of SOCIAL control since white folks realized that BIOLOGICAL and NUMERIC superiority were NOT on their side.

There is a huge difference in the way WHITE PEOPLE percieve poor whites as opposed to poor Blacks... watch any program about poor Black people and the reaction from the audience is to speak of criminality, laziness, and other percieved inherent racially based flaws, while a program focusing on poor whites in Appalachia is seen as showing people who are simply stuck in negative circumstances beyond their control.

In the media, Blacks are usually portrayed as criminals, athletes or entertainers. If they are shown as professionals, they are in a sea of white faces, as an individual who, although Black, spends most of his/her time in the company of white folks who somehow magically elevate him through no efforts of his own. When you see a white doctor in a movie, there is no need to attempt to explain his background story (success is just seen as the norm for whites by the viewing audience), yet there is with a Black doctor, because he is seen as a anomaly and his success must be explained. And of course, invariably, the "explanation" includes a bunch of good hearted white folks who helped him get where he is today.

If you walk into any party where all of the attendees are white, you will hear at least once during the event SOME COMMENT about the perceived "flaws" of Black people. Even whites who have NO CONTACT with Black people are taught to hate Black individuals, and the Black collective.

If you speak to a white person in THE WORST circumstances, he will STILL believe he is superior to a Black person. Whether or not the white collective is "pimping" him is NOT THE POINT. The point is that HE IS USED to enforce white supremacist ideology, and to encourage and disseminate it among the next generation.

"... watch any program about poor Black people and the reaction from the audience is to speak of criminality, laziness, and other percieved inherent racially based flaws, while a program focusing on poor whites in Appalachia is seen as showing people who are simply stuck in negative circumstances beyond their control."

I am that audience that you speak of and I happen to view it completely opposite. So do my friends and family. I actually know of no Black person who would view it from that standpoint. I think the vast majority of Americans will look at that white person and assume he's had the same opportunities as them and is too lazy or unintelligent or isn't looked upon favorably by God to get there. That's an unfair assessment for poor whites.

"In the media, Blacks are usually portrayed as criminals, athletes or entertainers."

White people are shown as criminals just as much. But the difference is usually white people are portrayed as pedophiles (the worst kind of criminal),White collar criminals (the criminals that cause the most collateral damage usually white victims) and Serial killers (what can I say about serial killers?). Whereas Black people are portrayed as gangsters (who doesn't secretly want to be a gangster?) Pimps,drug dealers etc. all of which are glorified forms of criminality in popular mainstream culture. It's unfair to portray white men as perverted greedy serial killers, yet glamorize the street life of Blacks. As far as athletes go. I can't see where the problem with that lies. Athletes are the embodiment of masculinity manhood and financial superiority. Women around the world love athletes. White men buy Jerseys with another grown assed man's name on the back to be like athletes. They are treated and looked upon like gods. Entertainers.... To enter to literally means to enter the mind and attain it. So now they've tricked white people into thinking entertainment is trivial, while Black people enter their minds and influence it. It's unfair not to know how much influence these Black entertainers have on white people.

"If they are shown as professionals, they are in a sea of white faces, as an individual who, although Black, spends most of his/her time in the company of white folks.

No my dear that's just a reality in America. 8 hours a day 5 days a week allow 6 hours for sleep. I'd say that we do spend most of our time with white folks. Where is the racism in that portrayal.

..who somehow magically elevate him through no efforts of his own."

Where do you come up with this stuff? Like seriously. I think your just making things up now. You know what's funny? Some Negros will just shake their heads in agreeance when you say some unsubstantiated bullhookey like that. It sounds like this is just YOUR opinion. Give me an example. The only thing close to that is "Trading Places" but Eddie Murphy's character superceded what the Dan Akroyd character ever did. I threw you a bone on that one.

"There is a huge difference in the way WHITE PEOPLE perceive poor whites as opposed to poor Blacks..."

There's a huge difference in the way BLACK PEOPLE perceive poor Blacks as opposed poor whites.

"Whether or not the white collective is "pimping" him is NOT THE POINT."

Oh but it is. Some call it THE SYSTEM of white supremacy. I call it pimping and pandering. The fact that we call it white "SUPREMACY" gives credence to the meme of..well... white supremacy. Your attempting to leverage "it" by suggesting that white people's OPINIONS matter more than ours, when in FACT they DON'T. I chose to call what YOU and others call THE SYSTEM of white supremacy.. THE SYSTEM of Pimping and Pandering... or the System of Rich supremacy". To call something that victimizes white people the most, White supremacy is unfair and misleading to these white victims. That's like calling hurricane "Katrina" Hurricane "Give life and land to Black New Orleanians".

"If you walk into any party where all of the attendees are white, you will hear at least once during the event SOME COMMENT about the perceived "flaws" of Black people. Even whites who have NO CONTACT with Black people are taught to hate Black individuals, and the Black collective."

The same with you walking into any party where all Black people are in attendance. You'd hear SOME comment about the inherent flaws of white people (devils). Even Blacks who have little or no contact with White people are taught to hate white people and the perceived White collective.

"If you speak to a white person in THE WORST circumstances, he will STILL believe he is superior to a Black person."

I don't necessarily think that's true in fact I thinks he FEELS inferior to most Black people. He won't say it but he feels it. Although, purely conjecture, so was your statement, which was quite ludicrous to be frank. As if to say the white man is some monkey incapable of discerning his place in life. It's not true. He's still a human being. I think it's an underestimation of white people's capacities...and if he DID believe that, the question would then be, "who is he hurting more Black people or himself?" Sounds more like Black supremacy.

I have to respectfully disagree with you simply because I know the things that white people feel, say, and do when they believe no one else is around to hear their bullshit. And while poor whites SHOULD be uniting with poor people of other races, the messages they are receiving from the media, from their families, schools, etc. it that is is OK for them to be poor because they are STILL better than non white people. Those in power use a poor white man to enforce their ideology that whites are on top. As for the idea that Black people talk negatively about white people when they are alone, the historical and contemporary racist actions of white people all over the world provide justification. White people hate Black people because they believe in their own superiority based on racism. Black people, by and large SHOULD look upon white people with suspicion at the very least because most white people DO NOT CARE about Black people, and are intent of damaging and destroying them in order to ensure their own survival and dominance.

Whether you choose to use the term "white supremacy" or some other words is only a matter of semantics. The fact is that their is an oppressive system in place world wide, controlled by the elite whites and enforced by poor whites to keep non white people down. It is a result of fear and anger. The words you use to describe matter less than what you do to attack it.

OH, and just as a side note: for the most part, white people as a collective ARE culturally, morally, and genetically inferior, which is WHY the system of white supremacy or whatever you choose to call it, was developed and is enforced to this day. It whites truly WERE superior, there would be no need to use laws, media, colonialism, slavery etc to "prove" the inferiority of other races. All of those things were developed as a result of fear of being annihilated. as a c

"I have to respectfully disagree with you simply because I know the things that white people feel, say, and do when they believe no one else is around to hear their bullshit."

I have to respectfully disagree with you simply because I know the things that Black people feel, say, and do when they believe no one else is around to hear their bullshit.

"And while poor whites SHOULD be uniting with poor people of other races,..."

Maybe they should maybe they shouldn't. I've never said that. In fact I think it may be disadvantageous for most of us here at wearerespectablenegroes. If poor white people were aware of this. It'd not be to my benefit. I count on this thing you call "white supremacy" I own property (plural). LOL sheeit.

...the messages they are receiving from the media, from their families, schools, etc. it that is is OK for them to be poor because they are STILL better than non white people."

I agree, but that's been working to the advantage of Black people for almost a century. White people don't even know they were the majority of the slave population in early america. This may seem to be a burden, to be labeled the descendants of slaves but to me it's an advantage at least we KNOW... and knowledge is power. But to keep white americans oblivious to they're slave past is a crime against humanity.

"As for the idea that Black people talk negatively about white people when they are alone,...."

It's not an idea. It's the truth.

"the historical and contemporary racist actions of white people all over the world provide justification."

The same for Whites (I capitalize because these are political factions and have nothing to do with color.. in order to use lowercase I'd use pink and brown, sometimes blurple :)). Looking at the history of the world.(the punic wars etc. The past 6000 years) Have been filled with Black Political Genetic, Intellectual and Social Domination. The difference is our domination was tempered with melanin (which is in our brain, spine blood cells as well as our skin). To counteract AT LEAST 6000 years (closer to 9000) of domination would provide adequate justification as well.

"White people hate Black people because they believe in their own superiority based on racism."

Black people hate White people because they believe in their own superiority based on racism. It's also based on a point system called empirical evidence. The score is 9000 to 600. You should really take what Im saying into account Joanna. You remind me of that teacher in "Everybody hates Chris" You must have a Black husband that affirms your ideas (that's why your with him) Were not a monolith love. This is how a great deal of Black people think. We basically see through all the bullshit. It's simple, by you perpetuating these asinine ideals (and having pseudo scholars echo your sentiments), you in turn get to benefit from them. You'd hate it if I said I don't give a fuck... anyone can say Nigger anytime any place it doesn't bother me in any way.. you'd faint die and fade away. Thats your last semblance of importance in an endless sea of white faces. White people are invisible. That's why the first thing they have us read is Ellison.... projection.. Make us believe the bullshit...When I enter a room everyone stares with curiosity, some are fearful some are intrigued some are curious but one thing's for sure they see me before Im coming, the only thing that ensues is wonderment.

"Black people, by and large SHOULD look upon white people with suspicion at the very least because most white people DO NOT CARE about Black people, and are intent of damaging and destroying them in order to ensure their own survival and dominance."

White people, by and large SHOULD look upon Black people with suspicion at the very least because most Black people DO NOT CARE about White people, and are intent of damaging and destroying them in order to ensure their own survival.

Whether you choose to use the term "white supremacy" or some other words is only a matter of semantics. "

Nah babe you know how powerful words are. Semantics is detail..and thats were the devil is.

"..controlled by the elite whites and enforced by poor whites to keep non white people down."

They're not elite Whites..They are just elites. Look at the Saudi Royal Families. Them is niggas. They'd wipe their ass with Bush money. There are 40 families that'd do the same. The fact that you don't know this proves my point. You are pimped into believing the Elite class consists of Whites. If Im not mistaken (I could be) your great grandkids are going to be speaking Chinese or Arabic. So much for White supremacy.

The fact is that their is an oppressive system in place world wide,..

True it has nothing to do with race.

"controlled by the elite whites and enforced by poor whites to keep non white people down."

Nah.. There's an an elite system controlled by people of every color and nationality, enforced primarily by powerless whites to keep themselves, their families, and those like them down. Can we say Eastern Europe? I'll be honest when I see an Eastern European I thank God that Im Black. You have to know this Joanna. When a Black person sees a Mexican or an Asian we give a big ups to G O D. It's not right but it's true. How about you call it something else. It's misleading to hard working Americans. they desrve more than the crumbs so called white supremacy offers.

"The words you use to describe matter less than what you do to attack it."

How do engage the problem of essentializing here? Do we separate White from white and Whiteness from whiteness?

Also what of the controversy about Cressling's theories? Does that modify the analysis?

Finally, we are onto something that I alluded to white Brother Akbar--and I think you are both talking past each other just a bit--the power of language is great. How do we engage whiteness without reasserting its de facto primacy?

First of all, I do not believe that Black people are a monolith. I am not telling YOU how to think, and I am not trying to say anything about how Black people think as individuals or as a collective. I do not have a "husband" who agrees with my ideas, in fact, the men I have dated throughout my life could not be more different from me or from each other in their political beliefs.

I am speaking as to MY BELIEFS. I respect anyone who believes differently. But that does not mean I am going to shut my mouth and not speak on what I observe and how I feel. We are entitled to different belief systems. I never said mine was any more legitimate than yours, I simply stated what I believe..

I have expressed my opinions without saying a single thing about who I believe YOU are, because I do not know you. Yet you want to make assertions about me and about my relationships based on MY opinions. Other than one person who I am friends with, my friends, lovers, acquantances believe in totally different things than I do, which is a good thing, because it makes for great conversations and debates.

OH, and just as a side note: for the most part, white people as a collective ARE culturally, morally, and genetically inferior, which is WHY the system of white supremacy or whatever you choose to call it, was developed and is enforced to this day.

Ok? You're stating the obvious.

"It whites truly WERE superior, there would be no need to use laws, media, colonialism, slavery etc to "prove" the inferiority of other races. All of those things were developed as a result of fear of being annihilated."

Firstly I gotta say that's really good... For you.... For me? Simpleminded. But you? Reeallly good. True colors are coming out Joanna? A bit passive aggressive? At least I hope you're being sarcastic otherwise I'd think Ive been talking to a brick wall. Subjugation isn't superiority. We created the whole idea of law and order. White people perverted it. These ideas of "owning" ideas land and "things" slavery and control of others are a primitive set of behaviors that Europeans mistake as superiority. It's really a testament to white people being non evolved, which will ultimately be your/our own demise. We are all one organism. One entity. If you eliminate ppl of color then you will eliminate people with black hair then people outside of your familial ties then eventually we are off into oblivion. When we enlightened Europe, we didn't enslave or subjugate the people.. we fostered humanity. The Crusades set humanity back 9000 years and here I am debating with a someone who equates superiority with laws, prison, colonialism and slavery. Boy I tell ya.

Ok, I am thoroughly confused now. Are you saying that I am equating superiority with laws, prison, etc? When I just clearly stated that those things were a response to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority on the part of the white collective? I am attemting to differentiate between a SYSTEM of WHITE SUPREMACY which has NOTHING TO DO with superiority and everything to do with an attempt to control that which white folks fear will destroy them. White supremacy is about power and domination, NOT superiority. It is rather a response to feelings of INFERIORITY. Am I not expressing myself clearly??

LOL Chauncey... see I love the fact that people can have such different opinions and express them without resorting to name calling and personal attacks... this has been a pleasure for me... I love when people actually want to debate instead of hiding from the fact that the world is made up of as many opinions as there are people!

"How do we engage whiteness without reasserting its de facto primacy?"

De facto primacy? Negro please. You JUST SAID WHITES are IN FACT (de facto MORE IMPORTANT (primacy) This is the second b.s question you asked Chauncey. The first one was that empirical question ish. That was from HER experience. My questions can be just as empirical.

Why are white males looked upon as softees compared to Blacks and Latinos? Then I direct you to the old spice guy's commercials. Empiricle? Sure.

"Ok, I am thoroughly confused now. Are you saying that I am equating superiority with laws, prison, etc? When I just clearly stated that those things were a response to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority on the part of the white collective?"

Yes.. I still think you're attempting to assert white superiority by supposedly refuting The system of white superiority. That which doesn't exist. Negros please say her statement and replace White with Black. Joanna You're purposefully using the words "power" and "domination". Both words that suggest white supremacy. Liberal doublespeak

Tips and Support Are Always Welcome

Who is Chauncey DeVega?

I have been a guest on the BBC, National Public Radio, Ring of Fire Radio, Ed Schultz, Sirius XM's Make it Plain, Joshua Holland's Alternet Radio Hour, the Thom Hartmann radio show, the Burt Cohen show, and Our Common Ground.

I have also been interviewed on the RT Network and Free Speech TV.

I am a contributing writer for Salon and Alternet.

My writing has also been featured by Newsweek, The New York Daily News, Raw Story, The Huffington Post, and the Daily Kos.

My work has also been referenced by MSNBC, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Atlantic, The Christian Science Monitor, the Associated Press, Chicago Sun-Times, Raw Story, The Washington Spectator, Media Matters, The Gothamist, Fader, XOJane, The National Memo, The Root, Detroit Free Press, San Diego Free Press, the Global Post, The Lost Angeles Blade as well as online magazines and publications such as Slate, The Week, The New Republic, Buzzfeed, Counterpunch, Truth-Out, Pacific Standard, Common Dreams, The Daily Beast, The Washington Times, The Nation, RogerEbert.com, Ebony, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Fox News, Breitbart, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Juan Williams, Herman Cain, Alex Jones, World Net Daily, Twitchy, the Free Republic, the National Review, NewsBusters, the Media Research Council, Project 21, and Weasel Zippers have made it known that they do not like me very much.